Satellite Asset Tracking Solutions and Device Types

Asset tracking plays a vital role in an organization’s asset management practices. It helps keep track of its physical assets and provides greater control over critical tools and equipment.

This can benefit the organization in numerous ways, including:

• Increased efficiency
• Greater accountability
• Lower administrative costs
• More accurate asset management
• Improved customer service
• Better growth planning

Satellite-based asset tracking technologies are instrumental in today’s fast-paced business landscape as they provide an innovative approach to asset tracking and management. With the help of satellite GPS trackers, companies can gain access to a robust satellite network that grants global connectivity with real-time monitoring capabilities.

Aside from asset tracking, what is satellite asset tracking used for? Below, we’ll delve into some of the main uses of satellite asset tracking and the different devices used in today’s business climate.

What is Satellite Tracking Used For?

Satellite tracking technology uses a global network of satellites to determine an object’s position anywhere in the world. For example, they can be used to track the location of a vehicle, monitor the transport of an asset or product, or the whereabouts of an organization member.

There are two basic types of satellite GPS trackers: passive and active. Passive trackers are satellite data logging devices that take note of the location data of an object and store that data in its internal memory. Users will then need to manually access the memory file to recover the data through a computer.

Meanwhile, active trackers transmit data to a database at specific intervals, providing access to real-time information. Active trackers are more popular today due to their applications in:

• Navigation: Identify the best possible routes to take while moving from one location to another.
• Mapping: Provide surveying data to create accurate maps of a particular location or region.
• Timing: Take precise time measurements of movement to improve efficiency.
• Tracking: Monitor the movement of inventory and assets during transport and asset management.

All About Satellite-Based Asset Tracking

Satellite tracking has become increasingly popular among businesses today to track their assets in real-time. Thanks to accurate location data provided by the satellite asset tracker, managers can understand the current state of their assets and how they are currently being used. This level of insight helps support the organization to improve efficiency, productivity, security, and resource utilization.

The real-time tracking capabilities of satellite asset tracking can be applied in (but not limited to) the following industries:

• Agriculture: Farmers can cut costs and improve yield on their farms by integrating the use of satellite-based trackers in their processes. Aside from improving the traceability of tractors and harvesters, farmers can also keep track of large farming assets like harvest bins for better asset security.
• Construction: Construction companies can improve worksite productivity by making it easier to track the location and performance of heavy equipment, whether it’s in a remote location or in the middle of a city. Through asset trackers, site supervisors can keep track of deployed equipment, locate lost attachments, eliminate inefficiencies in skilled labor, and improve resource utilization.
• Mining: Satellite tracking in mining sites can aid mining companies in site security, surveying, and fleet management. This can be used to boost mining capabilities through the accurate identification of mineral-rich areas around the worksite and faster dispatch of equipment.
• Logistics & Transport: Logistics companies can track their fleet more effectively with the help of accurate real-time location data provided by satellite trackers. Regardless of the location around the world, they can get the vehicle’s exact location to track driver performance, improve their safety, and monitor road conditions for faster transport.

With the greater insight provided by satellite asset tracking technology, companies across various sectors can make better and well-informed decisions when managing their assets. As a result, they can also significantly improve overall productivity.

Types of Satellite Asset Trackers

There are three types of satellite GPS trackers used in company asset tracking. These devices are attached to the asset to monitor their whereabouts, tracked through a secure web connection or smartphone app. The different types include:

• Plug-In: Plug-in GPS trackers are satellite tracking devices ported onto vehicular assets. These are connected to OBD II ports, which supply power to the satellite asset tracker. Aside from supplying data on their location, plug-in trackers can also tell whether a vehicle is turned on or off. This is useful in fleet management applications in monitoring productivity and whether the vehicle in question requires rescuing or repairs.
• Hardwired: Hardwired GPS devices are installed on vehicles that lack an OBD II port or use a different OBD standard. Instead, they are wired directly to the vehicle, typically under the dashboard, to supply energy directly to the device. These devices are similar to plug-ins and have the same capabilities. In some cases, they offer more flexibility due to their ease of installation.
• Battery-Operated: Battery-operated GPS devices have an internal power supply to operate outside of the vehicle’s power system. Since they have their own power supply, these devices are considered the most versatile due to their many applications outside of vehicular asset tracking. They can be mounted on big and small assets, from construction equipment to cargo boxes. One example is our GT2s satellite asset tracker that can be mounted on just about anything. Once mounted, they can broadcast their location to a database, which can be accessed using the Geoforce Track and Trace platform. But to save battery life, location reporting occurs at regular intervals, typically once every 15 minutes when in motion and once every four hours when at rest.

Effective Asset Management Tools By Geoforce

Through the power of satellite asset tracking, you now have the ability to streamline your processes and boost productivity across your entire organization. Leverage the power of satellite-based asset tracking and integrate it into your current systems with Geoforce. Learn more about our asset tracking software and the many applications in your industry by contacting us through this form or talking to us directly by calling 866.914.0833.